At a Glance

Feel the pulse of Cuba on this one-of-a-kind learning adventure by yacht. Aboard a luxury vessel, sail to the historic cities of Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos — each one a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through neoclassical monuments and colonial architecture with experts as you learn the beguiling history of this extraordinary island. Along the way, meet locals from all walks of life in exclusive People-to-People interactions. Learn the intricacies of modern Cuba as you talk with colorful artists and soulful musicians, and discover the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that define the Cuban coastline.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walk and stand on cobblestone streets up to two hours in a hot and humid tropical climate.

Best of all, you'll ...

Venture to Hemingway’s legendary home in Havana and explore the colonial palaces and plazas of Trinidad.

Meet with Cuban musicians, dancers, artists, professionals and more to learn about their way of life.

Enjoy a private dance performance by a local organization and lunch at a paladar in Havana.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.

Suggested Reading List

View 20 books

Dreaming in Cuban

by Cristina Garcia

A short, poetic novel of three generations of Cuban women, their reaction to the revolution and the complex relation between those who remained in Cuba and those who settled in the United States. Excellent reading.

Passage to Cuba

by Cynthia Carris Alonso

An wonderful coffee-table book that takes readers through the crumbling, baroque splendor of Havana. Subtitled "An Up-Close Look at the World's Most Colorful Culture."

Obi, Oracle of Cuban Santeria

by Ocha'Ni Lele

Ocha'Ni describes the lore, ritual and customs surrounding the Obi, the oracle of the Santeria faith.

The Cuban Table

by Ana Sofia Pelaez, Ellen Silverman (Photographer)

Through evocative writing and gorgeous photographs, Pelaez and Silverman have crafted a Cuban cookbook that is "lleno de vida" (full of life) with enticing, easy-to-follow recipes for classic Cuban coffees, simple dinners and leisurely lunches. They include personal stories from Cubans and Cuban diaspora communities from New York City to Florida.

In this rousing memoir, subtitled An American Housewife in Havana, Tattlin writes with verve of her family's "rowdy, ambiguous, ironic and sometimes exhilarating time" living in 1990s Cuba.

Hemingway's Boat

by Paul Hendrickson

Focusing on the years 1934 to 1961, from Hemingway's pinnacle as the reigning monarch of American letters until his suicide, Paul Hendrickson traces the writer's life through the story of his beloved boat, Pilar. On display at Hemingway's Finca La Vigia in San Francisco de Paula, east of Havana, it is easy to see how this sleek craft attracted Hemingway, the setting for so much of what the writer loved and the leitmotif of Hendrickson's supple elegy.

Havana Modern, Twentieth-Century Architecture and Interiors

by Michael Connors

In vivid, original photographs, Connors ushers us through 100 examples of Havana’s best-preserved Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, built between the early 1900s and 1965.

Havana, A Cultural and Literary Companion

by Claudia Lightfoot

An illuminating guide to the city, its history and geography, as the inspiration for writers, artists, musicians and intellectuals.

Travelogue, ode to Cuban soul and society and clear-eyed report on the economic reforms that are sweeping the island nation, Marc Frank's colorful chronicle shows daily life in contemporary Cuba from the inside. Frank weaves his own story -- and the stories of his many friends and acquaintances -- into this indispensable first-hand report from the field.

Cuba and Its Music, From the First Drums to the Mambo

by Ned Sublette

A thorough and entertaining history of Cuba and its music by the popular radio producer, music historian and cofounder of Cuban record label QbaDisc.

Cuba, A History in Art

by Gary R. Libby

This slim, yet comprehensive survey of Cuban art between 1725 and 1959 explains the development of artists’ styles and how developments in Cuba (and especially Havana) changed their work.

The Distant Marvels

by Chantel Acevedo

A life-affirming tale of love set during a hurricane in 1960s, post-revolutionary Cuba. To keep hope alive amongst the evacuees, Maria Sirena tells the incredible story of her childhood during Cuba's Third War of Independence.

Our Man in Havana

by Graham Greene

The classic story of a British vacuum cleaner salesman who gets accidentally drawn into Cold War espionage with disastrous results.

Moon Cuba

by Christopher P. Baker

A practical guide in the Moon series, packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history and destinations throughout Cuba.

Cuba, This Moment, Exactly So

by Lorne Resnick

This deluxe coffee-table book organizes 250 black-and-white photographs around micro-stories that immerse readers in the heat and culture of the "Pearl of the Antilles." Includes a foreword by great travel writer Pico Iyer.

Cuba, What Everyone Needs to Know

by Julia Sweig

Director for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Julia Sweig traces the geography, history and identity of Cuba in this admirably succinct portrait of the island nation and its role in world affairs.

Cuba, A New History

by Richard Gott

British journalist Gott casts a fresh eye on the history of the Caribbean island from its pre-Columbian origins to the present.

Activity note: Please note: The day-by-day schedule in Cuba is a representative guide only as program elements are subject to change on short notice.

Afternoon: Transfer from Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, to your hotel. Meet your Road Scholar Group Leader in the hotel lobby for Program Registration and hotel check in. The Program Welcome and Orientation will begin at 6:00 p.m. Your Road Scholar Group Leader will be in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. to accompany the group to the Orientation room. This very important meeting will prepare you for your travel in Cuba. We will discuss OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) regulations that govern our program, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, our program schedule, and answer any questions you may have. The Group Leader will also lead introductions. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice. PLEASE NOTE: The day-by-day schedule that follows should be used only as a representative guide. Program elements are subject to change on short notice as availability is controlled by the Cuban government.

Dinner: In the hotel restaurant.

DAY

2

Explore Havana, Embark Ship

At Sea

B,L,D

M/S Panorama

Activity note: Most staircases in Cuba do not have railings, so if you use a walking aid, please bring it on the program. Walking and standing for up to 1 hour at a time on uneven terrain. Steps without railings. Getting on and off the motorcoach throughout the day.

Morning: This morning, we will observe a rehearsal then enjoy conversation and interactions with a modern dance group.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Remain at the hotel for an expert lecture with a well known local architect. Continue to Sierra Maestra Terminal in Old Havana for embarkation aboard the yacht, followed by a boat drill and Welcome Briefing by your yacht crew.

Dinner: Buffet dinner on board the yacht, featuring Greek and international cuisine.

Evening: Overnight in port in Havana. After a long day of travel, rest and prepare for a full day tomorrow.

DAY

3

Old Havana, Hemingway's Home

At Sea

B,L,D

M/S Panorama

Activity note: Our vessels have been granted the longest stays of any cruise boats in the port of Havana. Space at the dock itself is severely limited; we may dock at one of the only two piers or take a tender in to shore. Walking about 2 miles, standing approximately 2.5 hours; cobblestone streets, limited areas of shade.

Morning: Exploration on foot of “Habana Vieja” (Old Havana), strolling the streets between the four main colonial squares with your Cuban local expert.

Lunch: In a paladar.

Afternoon: Drive in classic cars to Finca La Vigia, Hemingway’s beloved home, where he lived for 21 years and worked on some of his most famous literary works, such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Late afternoon return to Havana.

Dinner: We walk to a paladar in Old Havana for some typical Cuban fare.

Evening: Enjoy music in the style of the Buena Vista Social club, at a classic café show. Return to the ship at your leisure. Overnight in port of Havana.

DAY

4

Fusterlandia, Afternoon at Sea

At Sea

B,L,D

M/S Panorama

Activity note: The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). This may mean that free time in port is limited. Regardless of the time in port, Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program. Walking and standing on unpaved ground for up to 1 hour at a time. Getting on and off of the motorcoach.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board.

Morning: We depart with our Cuban expert by motorcoach to Fusterlandia, the studio and workshop of artist Jose Rodriguez Fuster. Walk around the neighborhood to explore the mosaic tile work inspired by Gaudi in Barcelona. Afterwards, enjoy free time to continue exploring Havana before embarkation.

Lunch: On board the yacht.

Afternoon: At sea en route to Maria la Gorda.

Dinner: On board the yacht.

Evening: Continue sailing towards Maria La Gorda.

DAY

5

Maria La Gorda and Guanahacabibes National Park

At Sea

B,L,D

M/S Panorama

Activity note: Walking on uneven terrain while ashore. Access to the tender boat is along a narrow pier, off of the beach. Walking on sand. Access to return to the ship from Maria la Gorda is by local tender boat.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board.

Morning: With our Cuban expert and motorcoach, visit a nearby school. Learn about the Cuban education system in rural areas, and interact with teachers and students. Explore Guanahacabibes National Park, one of the country’s largest nature reserves on the westernmost tip of the island. The peninsula was one of the last refuges of aboriginals fleeing from the Spanish conquistadors and also holds some 140 archaeological sites linked to the life of the aborigines, who were known as Guanahatabeyes.

Lunch: Enjoy a barbecue on the beach with some time for a swim before returning to the yacht via local tender boat.

Afternoon: The yacht navigates toward Isla de la Juventud or "Isle of Youth". Enjoy a lecture on board by your Cuban local expert.

Dinner: On board the motor yacht, dinners are plated and served single seating in the dining room. The cuisine is Greek and Continental –inspired.

Evening: At sea as we navigate toward Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth.)

DAY

6

Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), Nueva Gerona

At Sea

B,L,D

M/S Panorama

Activity note: Access to go ashore is via local tender boat. Transportation on the island is by private local bus. Lunch is later than usual, so bring a snack from breakfast with you ashore, if necessary. Walking on sand and uneven pavement.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board the yacht.

Morning: Enter the Bay of Singuanea and moor in front of the Colony Hotel. Disembark the tender boat on the beach and board a local private bus for a tour of the capitol city of the island – Nueva Gerona. Next, visit the Presidio Modelo – the abandoned panopticon prison of Cuba. It was here that Fidel and Raul Castro were imprisoned from 1953-1955. Panopticon is a building design that allows a small prison staff to watch over a large number prisoners without the prisoners knowing they’re being watched. The most notable inmates were Fidel Castro and other Moncada rebels. The tables were turned after the revolution when Presidio Modulo became the destination for those considered enemies of the new government. It was closed in 1967 and is now a museum.

Lunch: At a local paladar.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will visit an art school, followed by free time in Nueva Gerona. Late afternoon embarkation.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: At sea en route to Casilda, port of Trinidad.

DAY

7

Meet the People of Trinidad

At Sea

B,L,D

M/S Panorama

Activity note: Walking and standing on cobblestone streets for up to 2 hours, with limited shade areas. Travel by motorcoach.

Breakfast: On board the yacht.

Lunch: Onboard before disembarkation.

Afternoon: Depart by coach to Trinidad. A meticulously well preserved Spanish colonial city, with its rich architecture, cobblestone streets, palaces and plazas, Trinidad is sometimes referred to as the “museum city of Cuba.” Walk through the town, interacting with artisans and visiting with locals. At the Romantic Museum, we envision life in the 18th century through its furniture and decorative arts. Next, visit the studio of local woodcarver to learn about his unique creations. Depart Trinidad by motorcoach for drive to Cienfuegos where we will meet the yacht for an overnight in port.

Dinner: In a paladar.

Evening: At leisure in port in Cienfuegos.

DAY

8

Cienfuegos, Pearl of the South

At Sea

B,L,D

M/S Panorama

Activity note: Walking and standing for up to 1 hour at a time. Walking on uneven pavement outdoors with limited areas of shade.

Breakfast: On board the yacht.

Morning: We disembark the ship to explore by coach and on foot. Cienfuegos, the only city in Cuba to be founded by French settlers, is also known as the Pearl of the South. In 2005, the historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among buildings of particular interest are the Government Palace (City Hall), San Lorenzo School, the Bishopric, the Ferrer Palace, the former lyceum, and some residential houses. Cienfuegos is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble representing the new ideas of modernity, hygiene and order in urban planning as developed in Latin America from the 19th century.” As we walk through the main square, visit a graphic arts workshop and school of art where there will be discussions and interchanges with local artists. Visit a Cuban peso (CUC) farmer's market to better understand the workings of a two currency country.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Enjoy a performance and exchange with one of the talented musical groups in Cienfuegos.

Dinner: Provided onboard.

Evening: In port at leisure.

DAY

9

Return Flights, Program Ends

Depart

B

Activity note: The transfer has been arranged to the Havana airport to allow for greater flexibility in booking return flights.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board.

Morning: Group transfer to the airport in Havana, arriving at 7 AM to check into individual flights.

Meals

23 Meals

8 Breakfasts

7 Lunches

8 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Located in the center of Havana, The Nacional Hotel is situated on a vantage point overlooking the Malecon – Havana’s seafront promenade. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba has hosted numerous illustrious guests: actors, artists and many other famous people. The hotel is a National Monument and is inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

Discover a 3 masted Motorsailer which can accommodate up to 49 passengers in 24 cabins. The "M/S Panorama" was launched in 1993 and has been rebuilt in 2001, followed by a latest renovation in 2014. In 2014, the Upper Deck cabins and Lounge, as well as the Main Deck cabin en suite bathrooms and Lounge have been refitted. This state of the art Motorsailer has performed several Atlantic Ocean crossings and has sailed from the Seychelles to Monte Carlo and from the Black Sea to Tunis and offers the highest standard of accommodation and comfort safety